Romance Writers on the Journey

Robin Johns Grant has been writing fiction for years. For so many years, in fact, that she crowned herself The Queen of Perseverance and celebrates that fact on her blog.

To support her writing habit, Robin has made a living in a variety of ways: writing and editing for university publications; managing an office for a firm of private investigators; and working as a financial aid counselor. She recently made a major career change, going back to school to earn a Master of Library and Information Science degree and landing a job as a reference librarian at a state college.

Robin also studied in the Master of Professional Writing program at the University of Southern California. While there, she interned with Burt Lancaster’s production company and wrote a treatment for a teleplay. Her story Glass Houses placed as a finalist in the Ernest Hemingway First Novel contest. Her short story, “The Best New Year’s Kiss,” was published in an anthology titled The Other Side of the Doorbell.

Robin lives in Georgia with her husband, Dave, and Himalayan cat, Wendy.

Robin Johns Grant

•Robin, when I read the title of your blog, The Queen of Perseverance, I was intrigued. Upon learning how long you’ve been pursuing publication, I was amazed and inspired. Please share with us an overview of your journey. What do you write? How many manuscripts have you started? Completed? How many ideas are dancing in your head?

You know, if I were to name my blog today, I would probably call it The Long and Winding Road. I read so many published writers who advise us, “Just study the craft and work on your writing. Bit by bit you will improve. Then you will get published.” As though there is a straight path from start to finish. At least for me, I’ve discovered there is no straight path to publication and success in writing. I veer off to one side and God nudges me back the other way. I wander off into the fields and graze for a while, I get turned around and backtrack, I get lost. But I keep going!

When I was six or seven years old, I discovered that there were actually real people out there writing those books I was learning to read. I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life, because my head was filled with stories all the time. What could be better than writing those down and sharing them—especially if you could make a living at it? I’ve been writing stories ever since.

When my cousin and I were eighteen, we wrote a novel together, packaged it and sent it to a publishing company—and waited for our publishing contract to come back! I was a little shocked to get a rejection, but that was okay. I was young, and it was my first try. Of course that was over 30 years ago, and many, many rejections ago.

I’ve written six complete novels and started several others. Divide five novels into thirty years and you’ll see part of my problem. I can’t whip a new novel out every few months like a lot of other folks do—like a lot of folks advise you should do. Part of that is because I’ve had to keep my day job. But also, I can’t just sit down with a spreadsheet and mechanically create my characters and stories. I can do those things to clarify and organize things in my mind, but it takes me time to get to know my characters and what’s going on with them. The same way I can’t go to a conference or a party and walk away with four new friends. It takes me a long time to get to know someone, and that spills over into my writing.

Every novel I’ve completed to date has a love story at the center. But right now, I’m working on my first romance genre manuscript. My agent, Janet Benrey, recommended I try doing this. At first I balked, but it’s been good for me. I tend to be long-winded and since the word count for this type of novel is shorter than I’m used to, I’ve had to learn to focus and say things more concisely. According to my agent and several editors I’ve met, another problem I’ve had in getting published is that my stories tend to stray across genre boundaries. With this book, again, I’m learning to stay within bounds.

•Over thirty years! Wow! That truly is perseverance. What have been some of the highest highs you’ve experienced on your journey? How did you celebrate them?

My highest high to date was when Janet Benrey—who was then with Hartline Literary—called and said she wanted to sign me. I was on cloud nine. I had been going through some of my lowest times writing-wise, so it came at a time when I really needed encouragement. Plus, it was my first “official” success. I had finaled in contests, had editors request full manuscripts, had agents say they were interested in me. But Janet took the plunge and actually gave me a contract. I really hope I can make some money for her someday and vindicate her faith in me.

•Writing can be a solitary occupation. We spend many hours at our computers cavorting with our characters. The support and encouragement of other writers and authors can be such a blessing, especially when we experience the inevitable lows. Who are some the people who’ve come alongside you? What lessons have they taught you? How have they inspired you?

Several years ago, I was trying to sell my first novel in the secular market. I had been to a secular writers’ conference and had a really bad experience with an editor there. I decided that was it. Obviously, if I ever thought I had a calling from God to write, I was mistaken, and it was time to quit.

On the drive home, however, I started to cool down. I started wondering about Christian fiction, and about trying to target my work to a Christian market. So I stopped by a Christian bookstore and browsed, and decided to read Terri Blackstock. I was so impressed by the quality of her writing I decided to pursue this line of thinking more. However, after a few rejections from Christian houses, I was again at the point of quitting.

Then one day my husband asked me, out of the blue, if I had ever heard of Terri Blackstock. Turns out, she’s a good friend of one of my husband’s friends. We connected, and Terri was so encouraging, even saying she thought my writing was ready for publication. She referred me to Janet Benrey, who became my agent. And that’s why I’m still writing today! I’m so grateful for Terri and Janet—but can’t you just see God’s hand in all of that?

Another dear friend and mentor is Elizabeth Musser (whose books I highly recommend!) She’s also been encouraging about my writing and helped keep me going. One year we both went to the American Christian Fiction Writers conference and she took me under her wing and introduced me to authors and editors. She didn’t just introduce me, but would say something like, “Have you met my friend Robin? She’s written such a great book!” I’m very introverted and it’s hard for me to meet people, so having that support was priceless.

•Of everything you’ve written, which story is your favorite, and why? Are there aspects of yourself or your life in this piece? Did you include a theme that has special meaning to you?

This one’s a no-brainer. I told you my characters and stories grow over time! When I was a child, I came up with two characters: Jamie, who is a celebrity, and Jeanine, who dreams of meeting him—and does. I wrote stories about them when I was an adolescent. During my college years, I wrote a novel about them. I’ve rewritten their story several times. The latest version is called Glass Houses. It’s the book Terri Blackstock read a sample of, and the one Janet Benrey read when she signed me. It was a finalist in the Ernest Hemingway First Novel Contest several years ago. It’s also the novel the editor at the secular conference blasted so badly that I almost quit writing! Go figure.

As for whether it contains anything of myself or special themes, well, I’ve had my own crushes on celebrities through the years. Even as an adolescent, I thought it was so interesting, how I could feel that I knew someone so deeply because of seeing their movies or television shows—and yet, I really didn’t know them at all.

I loved Bob Crane in Hogan’s Heroes when I was a child. (Yes, I’m really dating myself!) Then he was murdered, and all sorts of ugly things came out about him. Another TV star I loved, Pete Duel, seemed so good-natured and happy. And he committed suicide.

Both of those experiences affected me deeply, and I started writing a story about a little girl who becomes obsessed with a fourteen-year-old movie star, to the point of being convinced that God has intended them to be together. He’s going to be the knight in shining armor who sweeps her away from rural Georgia and saves her from mundane life. Then, when she’s twenty, he does indeed come into her life. And it isn’t at all what she pictured. He has all kinds of nasty secrets, including a girlfriend who just died under mysterious circumstances. God may have intended them to be together, but it turns out, she has to save him.

•I noticed in reading your blog that you, like me and many other not-yet-published writers, wrestle with the aspect of following the “rules.” How do you balance the need to adhere to the generally accepted guidelines with the desire to remain true to your voice? What guidance have you received in this regard from those in the know, such as your agent and published writer friends?

This is a huge struggle for me. I don’t know that I have the answer yet. Most of the guidance I’ve received, from almost everyone, has been that my lack of rule following is what’s keeping me from being published. The big one is that I don’t adhere to strict genre guidelines, and my novels don’t pigeonhole into one genre. Then there are the usual things, like I should stop using omniscient p.o.v., show more and tell less, use simpler sentences, on and on.

I have tried very hard to listen to the advice and adjust my writing. Interestingly, though, the more I change to fit the rules, the less success I seem to have. The less excitement I generate in my work. I know my voice is not as unique as it used to be, and I think I’ve lost a lot of the rhythm and poetry of the writing itself.

At a conference recently, I pitched a novel to a well-known agent, who told me, once again, that I couldn’t use a certain plot development because it would make the novel “cross genres.” Instead, he suggested another plot turn, which has been used many times before and therefore would be familiar to readers of that genre. I came away dazed and confused. I frankly want to surprise my readers, to leave them wondering and breathless. Why would I want to give them the same thing they’ve read over and over?

My own conclusion I’m reaching is to try to listen to the experts and be flexible with your writing. But then, look at the results. Look at the feedback you’re getting. Not all advice is good advice. Not every rule is set in stone.

•And now a question just for fun. I noticed you’re a huge science fiction fan who has attended some big conventions—in costume. Cool! If you could be transported to the world created by a sci fi author or screenwriter, which would it be, and why? What character would you portray? Given the chance, would you change the outcome, or would you be content to experience the adventure as written?

My favorite over the years has been the Star Wars series. But would I want to actually live in that world? I don’t think so. Being a rebel and being hunted by the Empire is not for me! Definitely more fun to live vicariously.

It might be fun to be Elizabeth of Pirates of the Caribbean—but I would definitely make sure that when Will Turner comes home after ten years at the end of the last movie, the curse is broken and he’s home to stay for good! (Which is what the writers intended in the original script, but that got cut in the edited version of the film. One of the reasons I don’t want to be a screenwriter. Too many people can alter your story without your permission.)

It’s been great having you as my guest, Robin. And now, in closing, is there a final comment you’d like to make or a question you’d like to ask?

Since I’ve been on my soap box about “the rules,” I’d like to ask the writers and readers out there—have you read a novel that blatantly broke some writing rule and was all the better for it?

Learn More About Robin: Visit Her Blog http://queenofperseverance.blogspot.com/

Leave a Comment for Your Chance to Win!

I’ll choose a winner from those who leave a comment for Robin on 1/29 (and include an email address when prompted, which I don’t share), and will post the winner’s name on 1/30.

Jodie won and chose a Taco Bell gift certificate:

1) A $5 gift card from either Borders or Taco Bell (Keli’s Hangout ),

or

2) A Hallmark motivational bookmark made of metal,

Reads: "imagine . . . dream . . . reach . . . believe . . . achieve"

or

3) A set of 8 personalized note cards handmade by your blog host, Keli Gwyn.

You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by your blog hostess, Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and January 31, making sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) You may enter once per post.

On February 1, Keli will choose one person who will have her choice of four covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your “firstborn” in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 – 1830).

Linore’s books include her debut novel, Before the Seasons Ends, and The House in Grosvenor Square, which will be released in April 2009. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

I learned about Linore on the American Christian Fiction Writers loop. In addition, I’d seen a number of blog posts regarding her and her debut novel that captured my attention because, as you’ll see in her interview, her journey to publication is unlike that of many authors.

I’m giving away one copy of Before the Season Ends. You could also enter to win a First Sale Scrapbook. See drawing details at the end of the interview.

••• ••• •••

•Linore, your debut novel has generated a great deal of buzz in Cyberspace. A big reason is that Before the Season Ends was originally self-published. Why did you choose to publish the book yourself, and how did you market it at that point?

I didn’t feel the need to have an editor’s approval, and I was too naïve of the publishing industry to realize the bias against self-publishers, so I went ahead and did it. Then, I spent the next two years plus, learning to create an online presence and market the book.

•Your marketing efforts paid off in a big way. An editor at Harvest House found Before the Season Ends while surfing the Internet and contacted you. Would you share with us the unique story of how you went from self-published author to one with a contract from a well-known house?

Actually, you just said it in a nutshell. My editor was looking for regency fiction and said he “kept running into me and my book all over the web.” When you’ve been working for more than two years to get that web presence, those are pretty neat words to hear. That was the start—he invited me to send him my book, which I did, and then he took it to committee for me. That ended in my getting contracts for two books, the second of which (The House in Grosvenor Square) will be out in April.

•Did your editor ask you to make many changes to your story before Harvest House published it? I’ve read the new version and understand it includes a chapter not in the original. Was that his idea or yours?

The extra chapter was my idea, and I would say that my editor mostly just cleaned up some sloppy punctuation. But the new edition gave me an opportunity most writers dream of—which is, getting to go back into their book and change things they want changed. After doing more research, I made the “language of faith” more authentic to the regency; no small matter. And we got to add a glossary (my editor’s idea); and we added reading group discussion questions, which really add to the book’s value. They give readers the chance to examine the themes of faith and trust, and to see ways those themes apply to their own lives.

•Another reason Before the Season Ends has garnered so much attention is that you did something that hadn’t been done before. You wrote an Inspirational Regency. What led you to write a story set in this period? How important are the faith elements to the plot?

I fell in love with the regency from Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. I loved it so much that I wanted to read an inspirational romance with that setting, but I couldn’t find one anywhere. Then, one day when I was reading what I hoped would be an inspirational regency, it occurred to me that I would have to write it myself. So I wrote the book I really wanted to read. I wasn’t even thinking of publication at that point.

•Having read and enjoyed Before the Season Ends, I join the many reviewers who’ve remarked about the incredible amount of historic detail you wove into the story. A reader truly does feel as if she’s been transported to Regency England. How much time do you devote to research and how do you go about it?

Thank you, Keli, but I’m not that methodical, or consistent. I research what I need to research to write the scene or story I want to write. After that, I do reading—I don’t really think of it as research, just reading for fun, but I learn a lot that way, too. So, I can’t really answer your question. But I do avail myself of whatever resources I come across that I can afford. And I usually always research far more than I need to know for the story—that’s a weakness of mine, and probably lots of writers. We just enjoy the stuff and wish we could cram it all in!

•Many of my blog guests, like me, are not-yet-published writers. We hear so often the cautions against breaking the “rules.” You, however, did something rarely done today. You wrote using the omniscient POV. You give the reader insights into the thoughts and motivations of the vast majority of your characters, something those of us adhering to the use of limited POVs aren’t able to do. What led to your choice of this POV, and what did your publisher say about your use of it? What would you say to not-yet-contracted writers considering its use?

I would never tell a writer what POV to use for their story, but at the same time, I wouldn’t tell them not to use one if it’s their natural voice. I didn’t ask myself, “Gee, what POV should I use?” I just write that way, no matter what story I’m telling, or what time period. I think it’s more a matter of how you see the story unfolding as the writer, and I see mine as movies. In a movie, you can pretty much tell how most of the important people in any given scene are feeling, if you’re supposed to know. That’s how I write.

My editor (or copy editor) does sometimes change my POVs, but for the most part, as long as the reader can easily follow the story, they leave it as is. Again, it’s a matter of what works, not what rules you’re following or not following.

•Would you please tell us a little about Before the Season Ends and what we can look forward to in the sequel, The House in Grosvenor Square?

Before the Season Ends is a story of innocence versus the roguish hero; it’s a tale of sticking to convictions when the whole world tells you not to; and it’s a happy ending that seems like it will never happen, but does. It’s got humour and romance and a couple of good twists and turns, and an ending to sigh for. (How’s that for a teaser without giving away everything?)

The sequel (The House in Grosvenor Square) takes place in the two weeks before a big wedding (I won’t say whose). A lot of strange goings-on, and some close calls, and two ruffians with a grudge. It’s a bit more suspenseful, but the ending actually has three couples tying the knot—I don’t think any romance lover will be disappointed!

•And now a question just for fun. I understand you like gardening, and I know you like England. If a generous benefactor were to finance a two-week trip to the Old Country, which places would you most like to explore and what gardens or grounds would be on your must-see list?

Oh, bliss—a two-week tour to England, already financed? Actually, it isn’t the gardens I’d be heading for. I’d want to see the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, and visit the places where Jane lived; and the Brighton Pavilion, and anything that was around during the Regency in the West End. I’d love any of the places they call “Literary England,” the home of Dickens, or Wordsworth, or the Brontes. And I’m sure I’d spend at least an entire day in the British Museum. After that, bookshops and stores. Libraries would be a luxury, too.

It’s been great having you as my guest, Linore. And now, in closing, is there a final comment you’d like to make or a question you’d like to ask?

I do want readers to know that I have some wonderful reader’s resources on my website. Especially if you’re new to the time period, you’ll love these fabulous resources—and they’re free!

I’d also love to know whether readers think I should do a third book in the series; say, let Beatrice have her “day”? (Beatrice is Ariana Forsythe’s younger sister.) Let me know your thoughts!

Leave a Comment for Your Chance to Win!

On the evening of Jan. 26, I will choose one name from all those who left a comment for Linore. The winner will receive a copy of her debut novel, Before the Season Ends.

Congrats to Sherrinda, winner of the drawing.

You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by your blog hostess, Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and January 31, making sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) You may enter once per post.

On February 1, Keli will choose one person who will have her choice of four covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your “firstborn” in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling. Watch for pictures added on future posts.)

Christine Lindsay writes historical inspirational romance. She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her agent currently has two of her manuscripts out on submission.

Christine Lindsay was four years old when her family immigrated to Canada, and devastated to say goodbye to all her loved ones in Ireland. She takes great pride in her roots; her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard. As her grandfather began his trade as a fourteen-year-old apprentice, the ship he helped build in the dry dock was the Titanic. Her mother’s relatives were a combination of British soldiers and farmers.

I met Christine when she left a comment for another of my guests. I checked out her blog and was encouraged by what she shares there and impressed with her faithfulness and dedication. In addition, I found her personal story moving and love seeing how God is using her experience with birth mother relinquishment to reach others who may be facing a similar situation.

Christine Lindsay

•Christine, I’m inspired when I learn about writers, such as you, who are shining examples of perseverance. You’ve been writing with the goal of publication for eight years. What motivates you to keep writing when the first contract has yet to be offered?

I’ve learned that only by lovingly yielding to what God wants to do with my life do I have that sense of freedom and excitement that my life will count for something. If I didn’t feel His call to write, I would seek out what He was calling me to do. Time is too valuable to waste. My call to write first came when I was re-visiting the grief of having relinquished my first child to adoption—this was shortly after the reunion with my birthdaughter, Sarah, eight years ago. My husband, who knew my story so well, came to me with a brand new pen and journal and said, “Write it.”

Each time I test this “calling,” the Lord does something pretty significant to nudge me to continue. Last spring I asked Him to help me finish the second novel and said if I didn’t hear something from Him by the end of summer to continue, I’d set the writing aside. Within weeks Rachel Moore, another historical writer, became my critique partner, and we both got our novels finished by the end of August. Rachel, a wonderful, gifted writer, has been an incredible help to me.

In addition, I won a scholarship to the ACFW conference. I’d sent my essay off in the hopes of winning a spot, but weeks later heard that all spots had been given out. But sometime in July an email came out of the blue from ACFW saying that someone had donated the funds for another spot, and as first runner-up, would I like to accept it. You bet I did. Bells ding donged inside me, and I felt tremors as if I’d been offered a book contract. But the fact that the scholarship came to me this way meant even more than if I’d been one of the first five chosen.

It was at the conference that I heard the heartbeats of people just like me. Writing is such a solitary ministry, and we often don’t realize other authors have the same doubts—did I really hear God’s call? Am I wasting my life here, writing when no one may ever read it? That sort of thing.

Three people have greatly encouraged me to continue. The first is Crystal Miller.  She’s a book doctor, a book reviewer, and also a writer who has critiqued my two novels. Through our on-line relationship, she has become a dear friend and has made me feel that I really am a writer.

The second is my agent, David Sanford. Another great story that I won’t go into now. To be contracted by such quality literary agents like him and Rebekah Clark is a great gift from God. I’m excited to get to know the folks at Credo Communications now that David’s agency has amalgamated with Tim Beals.

The other is Golden Keyes Parsons, who I sat beside briefly for breakfast one morning at the ACFW conference. She struck me as one of those beautiful Christian ladies, filled with quiet trust in God, and tenacious when it comes to what He has called her to do. It was her story about her writing journey as her first book, In the Shadow of the Sun King, came out that bolstered me. There were times when she, too, felt time was slipping by, and “When are you going to do it, God?” was the theme of her prayers.

•Other writers can be some of our greatest allies on the journey to publication. You won that scholarship and attended the ACFW conference in 2008. What a great place to connect with other inspirational writers and authors. What were some of the blessings you experienced at the conference?

The biggest thing was the affirmation that I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. What I’ve learned from other authors, and my own experience, is that the writing journey is not a quick and easy one. I don’t think it’s supposed to be. I’ve come to believe that God wants us to walk that long journey with Him. Only because of that seemingly-never-ending-trek will we end up with great writing to encourage others. But what we learn ourselves is more about Him, a deepening of that love relationship with Christ. For that alone, the solitary work, the sweat and tears, and the bleary eyes are worth it, even if we’re never published.

• Four years ago, you shifted your focus to fiction—romance in particular. What led to this change?

I wanted to share the emotional and spiritual truth I had learned through the relinquishment of my child to adoption and our reunion twenty years later. But I felt the Lord nudge me to change the story to a fictional one to protect the identities of my family and my birthdaughter’s family. So, I set the story in a contemporary mystery-thriller, but with a strong love story.

I like a book to end with a satisfying sigh of happiness. And I loved how my own autobiographical story faded into the background as another story morphed—elements like the birthfather being on the fringes of the IRA during the Irish troubles, and a chase over Irish cliffs in the middle of a raging storm to catch the bad guys who were threatening present day peace in Northern Ireland. I thought it was a great story. Still can’t figure out why it hasn’t been picked up. Smiling as I write this.

•You’ve completed two manuscripts, which are being shopped by your agent, Rebekah Clark of Credo Communications. I was intrigued by the setting of the second story, the British Raj of India. Why did you choose this place and period?

They say to write what you know and what you like. My very favorite novels are those by MM Kaye who wrote long, exciting romantic epics set in that unique place and time. My mother’s side of the family had strong ties to the British army, particularly the British Raj of India. So, I took what I like, coupled with what I learned as a girl who made some poor choices in my early life, and feeling somewhat invisible as the birthmother in an adoption triad. I know what it’s like to persist when life gets tough and work that theme into my stories.

The greatest female hero in my own life has been my mother. When we immigrated to Canada life wasn’t easy for her, especially when she became a single parent. Through her, I’ve watched a true heroine, who may appear a victim to such things as spousal abuse, poverty, etc, but who, through faith in Christ, perseveres. She taught me to stand up, take on the hardships of life and see them as an adventure with God, like my characters.

•You have a special story to tell, that of a birth mother who was reunited with the daughter she entrusted to an adoptive family years before. A distilled version of this story is your first published piece. Please tell us how this came about and what it means to you.

Several years after I relinquished Sarah, I met and married a fantastic guy and we had three children. When our first two, Lana and Kyle, were small, I had a strong desire to write my birthmother story, specifically for Focus on the Family, and I prayed about it. I’d read many adoptive mothers’ beautiful stories of God giving them their long-awaited child, that I wanted so much to show the positive side to a birthmother’s relinquishment.

Relinquishment is not “giving up” your child. It’s a very different thing altogether. I’m not saying my birthdaughter is my daughter; she is the daughter of her adoptive parents. But all birthmothers have a story, and I wanted their voice to be heard in a small way. I wrote that piece for them.

So, about twenty years or so after that prayer, my agent, David Sanford, and his wife Renee, invited me to write something for the book they were putting together in conjunction with FOTF called Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family. Even though the book was targeted to adoptive parents, FOTF liked my birthmother piece and kept it in the book. Not only was this incredibly affirming to me as a writer, but also life-affirming to the young twenty-year-old girl in a maternity ward I once was, who believed she had heard God’s request to give her child to Him. If we wait long enough, we can see the beauty of what He’s really doing with our heartaches.

•Over a year ago, you took a leap of faith when you gave up a lucrative full-time position to focus on your writing. What effect has that change had, and what are you working on now?

I had a very fulfilling job as an administrative assistant in Canada’s premier Christian university, Trinity Western. To leave that secure income to work part-time close to home, just so I can focus my energies on the writing, was a big risk. My husband and family have been nothing but supportive. Although it’s been tough financially, I’ve found the Lord to be faithful, and those nudges to continue just keep coming. So, I’m writing. Even though publication may not be God’s plan for me, maybe I can encourage a few people through my blog.

At the moment, I’m re-writing my non-fictional birthmother story to post on my blog. My birthdaughter, Sarah, an ER nurse, is very much like me, Pro-Life. She supports me in the idea of sharing that story for free on the Internet, just in case some young girl is out there feeling the fears of being pregnant and unmarried. After that, I plan to put the outline together for the second book in my British Raj series, taking the reader up to the partition of India and Pakistan. After that, it’s up to God.

•You’ve entered a new chapter in your life. You and your husband are empty nesters. What are some plans you have now that it’s just the two of you? Will you be jetting off to far away places, taking up a new hobby, or tackling a home renovation project?

Well, thanks to me not bringing home a full-time paycheck like I used to, there are no plans to travel. Oh, how I wish it were otherwise. There is a cost to writing, and we’re paying it. But we do plan to travel a little and keep in touch with family across the country, and hopefully soon I can return to Ireland to visit the folks there.

Another dream is to write about the Belfast shipyards, starting of course with the people building the Titanic. Big mischievous smile.

•And now a question just for fun. As someone who’s been writing for a number of years, I’m sure you have dreams of what it will be like to land that first contract. Imagine that Rebekah called to tell you she’d sold your first book, that it’s just been released and that you’re at your launch party. Who’d be there with you? And what would you say when your supportive husband asked you to say a few words to your guests?

Well, if that were to happen, I’d say through a shaking voice thick with tears, “There are so many people to thank.” I’m an emotional mushball. “An author may sit in her ivory tower, pounding out the scenes and emotion with only the sound of clicking keys in her ears, but in truth she is not alone. There are so many of you I want to hug.

“Where would I be without my creative writing professors at Trinity, fellow author Loranne Brown, who took me through my first directed study on writing, and my original critique group—Jane, Andrea, Joan, Jenn, Rachel? Then there are my pastors and their wives; friends at church; ALL my pals at Trinity; my new on-line friends through ACFW—especially Crystal Miller, Rachel Moore, HisWriters; and my agents David and Rebekah. Good grief, have I missed any?

“You have all shown me the sweetness of God’s kind and interested face, and I love you dearly. Being published means nothing compared to your friendship.”

It’s been great having you as my guest, Christine. And now, in closing, is there a final comment you’d like to make or a question you’d like to ask?

I want to know what kind of books my visitors like to read. What are some of the elements in a novel that turn you off or on to a story?

And, lastly, thank you so much, Keli, for interviewing me. I feel terribly blessed by this. You have been one of those nudges the Lord has used to encourage me. I’d like to encourage you, too, to keep on persevering. God is in this with you and me. Hugs, Christine.

Learn More About Christine by Visiting Her Blog

Leave a Comment for Your Chance to Win!

On the evening of January 23, I’ll choose one winner from all those who left a comment for Christine (and included an email address when prompted, which will not be shared).

Andrea won and got to choose from:

1) A $5 gift card from either Borders or Taco Bell (Keli’s Hangout ),

or

2) A Hallmark motivational bookmark made of metal,

Reads: "imagine . . . dream . . . reach . . . believe . . . achieve"

or

3) A set of 8 personalized note cards handmade by your blog host, Keli Gwyn.

You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by your blog hostess, Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and January 31, making sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) You may enter once per post.

On February 1, Keli will choose one person who will have her choice of four covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your “firstborn” in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling. Watch for pictures added on future posts.)